Catherine "Cat" Zarate Honored with Emerging Leader Award

FORT MYERS, Fla. –Dec. 29, 2025 – Catherine “Cat” Zarate received the Emerging Leader award from The Community Foundation during the recent ENPY Awards ceremony. Zarate is the Business Operations Manager for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. This award recognizes rising stars in the nonprofit sector and celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional early-career excellence, initiative, and promise within the organization.

“Cat’s leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students and community have made a lasting impact across Southwest Florida,” said Angela Fisher, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. “We are all so proud that Cat received this well-deserved recognition. She exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, heart, and vision.”

ENPY stands for “Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly” and highlights the efforts and impacts of those working in the nonprofit realm, as well as the community partners that support local charities. Zarate’s role at Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida has helped the organization expand its JA Inspire Career Expos, champion inclusive programming, and strengthen civic education for our community.

For more information about Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida and its programs, please visit www.jaswfl.org.